Tip 1: Enable Dark Mode
OneNote supportsa dark theme on all major platforms.
If you regularly work on OneNote at night, activate the dark mode to reduce eye strain.
you could read our dedicated post onenablingOneNote dark modeon any unit.
Tip 2: Use OneNote Keyboard Shortcuts
We always recommend memorizing keyboard shortcuts to navigate software functions.
Microsoft OneNote is no exception.
The software supports several keyboard shortcuts on Mac and Windows.
Read and master theOneNote keyboard shortcutsfrom our previous post.
it’s possible for you to send a note as a pdf via email.
it’s possible for you to also copy a page link and share it with friends.
you might also share an entire Notebook with others.
Open a page in OneNote and clickSharein the top right corner to select a suitable option.
Tip 4: Insert Tables
Using tables is a neat way to organize the relevant information.
OneNote supports the table functionality by default.
ClickInsertin the top menu bar, then expand theTablesmenu to snag the number of rows and columns.
Tip 5: Use OneNote Templates
OneNote templates are available on Windows only.
ClickInsertat the top and open thePage Templatesmenu to check Microsofts default offerings.
you might also download third-party templates from Web sources such asOneNote Gem.
you might alsocreate a custom templateas per your preference.
Microsoft has added a bunch of default sticker packs to use.
There is a cat in suit, monkey, office drama, and Teamsquatch stickers on the desktop version.
OpenInsertand selectStickers; the side tab shows the default stickers to use on a page.
Select theDrawmenu; the section lets you choose fromPen,Marker, andHighlighter.
By default, it opens up as a blank white page.
ClickViewfrom the upper ribbon and change the paper color and style from the given menu.
It looks good and resembles a physical notebook with different colors and rules/grid lines.
Right-punch a section from any notebook and select aPassword-protectoption.
Add a password; from now on, you will need that password to access notes on every platform.
Remember, if you forget the password, you cannot recover the section.
We advise investing in a password manager to memorize all such confidential details.
Tip 10: Use OneNote Web Clipper
Microsoft offers a capableOneNote Clipper extensionon major browsers.
On Android, you’re free to long-tap the app icon and chooseWidgetsto check different options.
OneNote for iOS also supports three home screen widgets.
However, you’ve got the option to change that.
Open theFilesmenu at the top and selectOptions.
Under the General menu, it’s possible for you to change the default font.
The changes will only reflect on the new page and wont mess up the notes already added.
you could click theTagsmenu under theHometab to view all the built-in tags.
it’s possible for you to clickCustomizetags and add new ones or remove unnecessary ones from your OneNote.
it’s possible for you to also use tags to search your relevant notes quickly.
it’s possible for you to check our separate post tolearn all about OneNote tags.
Tip 14: Change the Tabs Layout in OneNote Desktop
Not everyone prefers the old-style horizontal tabs.
Thankfully, Microsoft has added an option to enable vertical tabs that closely resemble the old OneNote app.
you’ve got the option to click theViewtab and expand theTabsLayout.
SelectVertical Tabsand check the new navigation style in action.
Tip 15: Transcribe Audio Files
Transcribe is a must-have add-on for students.
From theTranscribemenu, you could upload an audio file or start recording to convert audio into text.
The software is smart enough to separate each speaker from the audio file.
you’ve got the option to access theTranscribemenu under theInsert>Recordingsection.
you could click thenotesicon at the top to access your sticky notes on the desktop.
Mobile users can jump into the same from OneNote home.
it’s possible for you to even edit and delete irrelevant sticky notes.
you’ve got the option to also create a section group to organize all your sections neatly.
Right-press a section, clickNew Section Group, and rename it.
it’s possible for you to add several subsections to it and better manage your notes.
Tip 18: Use Math Equations
Microsoft OneNote is quite popular in the education sector.
Its good to see Microsoft supporting math equations right into the app.
you’ve got the option to selectInsertand open theEquationstab.
you’re free to add several built-in equations or write one using theInk Equationmenu.
To do so, click theHistorytab at the top and selectRecent Edits.
Then, select a relevant timeframe and check all the page edits from the sidebar.
Samsung notes are available under the sticky notes section on the desktop and mobile app.
Although the implementation has several limitations, its still a handy workaroundfor checking your Samsung Notes on the desktop.
you could read our dedicated post onsyncingSamsung Notes with Microsoft OneNote.
You only have to upload the image, right-choose it, and select theCopy Text from Pictureoption.
Then, you’re free to paste the text or use it elsewhere.
With tags, you might categorize tasks for easy filtering and organization.
Checklists help you create to-do lists within pages, and you may mark tasks as completed.
Tip 23: Embed Files and Videos
Working with files and videos is often very important.
OneNote easily allows the embedding of any file or video.
You may embed videos from multiple sources, including YouTube.
Copy the video URL, hitCtrl+V, andEnter;the video is automatically embedded.
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